Post- doctoral positions, University of Alberta - Canada

1. Postdoctoral Position in NANO-BIOLOGICAL SYSTEMS AND DEVICES

ENG Civil Engineering

Competition No.  -    A104147809

Closing Date  -            Will remain open until filled.

NanoBio-Systems group has a new post-doctoral opening in development of cross-disciplinary nanoplasmonics-enabled platform for characterization and analysis of biomolecular phase-condensates. The incumbent will apply a potentially transformative method of nanoplasmonics to analyze phase-condensation phenomena for proteins associated with misfolding diseases.

Responsibilities:

Fabrication of nanostructured plasmonic substrates by a variety of methods including e-beam lithography, focused ion beams, and/or others;

Development of hybrid nano-biological architectures interfacing plasmonics substrates with solutions of proteins of interest;

Characterization of proteinaceous phase-condensates via surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) and other methods.

Preparing research materials for academic publications. Contributions to writing of manuscripts describing results on the project.

The position requires:

PhD in experimental physics, chemistry, biochemistry, engineering, or related field within 4 years prior the appointment date;

Hands-on experience in one of the following:

Cleanroom micro- and nano-lithography techniques;

Raman spectroscopy and SERS characterization.

Demonstrated record of research productivity.

Preferred Qualification:

Experience in nanoplasmonics, heterogeneous catalysis, or related research;

Experience in atomic-force microscopy (AFM);

Experience in biophysical/biochemical methods of structural biology.

To Apply:

Please e-mail your CV and contact information for three references to:

Dr. Maria Stepanova

Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering,

University of Alberta

Email ms1@ualberta.ca

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. If suitable Canadian citizens or permanent residents cannot be found, other individuals will be considered. The University of Alberta is committed to an equitable, diverse, and inclusive workforce. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage women; First Nations, Métis and Inuit persons; members of visible minority groups; persons with disabilities; persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression; and all those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas and the University to apply.

2. Research Associate

ENG Mechanical Engineering

Competition No.  -    A106747670

Closing Date  -    Will remain open until filled.

This position is a part of the Association of the Academic Staff of the University of Alberta (AASUA).

Working for the University of Alberta

The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Métis, Inuit and all First Peoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.

The University of Alberta is teeming with change makers, community builders, and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to more than 40,000 students in 200+ undergraduate and 500+ graduate programs, over 13,000 faculty and staff, 260,000 alumni worldwide and have been recognized as one of Canada’s Greenest Employers for over a decade.

Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross section of people—from our students and stakeholders, to our renowned researchers and innovators who are quite literally curing diseases, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger, and more just.

Position Description:

This work focuses on development of a clinical device known as the Advanced System for Implant Stability Testing (ASIST) for non-invasive evaluation of the bone-implant interface in lower limb osseointegrated implants. The ASIST isolates the interface properties by measuring the acceleration upon impact with the implant system, in combination with an analytical model that is based on vibration theory. We aim to apply this technique in the clinic to track the stability of the bone-implant interface over the time, thereby providing a method to detect early loosening of the implant.

We are seeking a research associate to develop the next generation ASIST unit, with a particular focus on lower limb implants. The successful candidate will work in an inter-disciplinary team including electrical and mechanical engineers, graduate students, and clinicians.

Duties:

Working under the supervision of the CoPI (Westover) with additional reporting responsibilities to the grant PI (Hebert), the Research Associate will work within a team to manage and enact the requirements and engineering deliverables of this project. Activities include:

Gathering design requirements, reviewing work done to date and end deliverable expectations

Developing and finalizing design criteria for the medical device

Integrating multiple components into a prototype for testing

Benchtop testing prototypes and iterating design features in response to feedback from the team.

Leading and participating in bi-weekly update and weekly status report meetings, following and adjusting the SOW and project timelines as required

Taking the initiative to act upon feedback received from the team and resolve any issues identified

Providing leadership in the development aspects of the project and contributing to and fostering a dynamic and cooperative team approach is essential to the success of the project

Assisting and working with graduate students on the project as directed by the project leads

Working under tight timelines with concrete deliverables, including thorough documentation according to engineering standards.

Additional engineering and lab related duties as required by the PI and co-PI

This work is funded by a Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program grant; therefore the Research Associate must ensure that prototypes and design features are meeting the criteria, objectives and timeline of the project as identified by the CoPI and PI

Qualifications:

Masters degree is required, preferably in Mechatronics Engineering; (Mechanical, Electrical, Robotics, Biomedical Engineering with mechatronics focus or MEng may be considered).

Equivalent Education and experience may be considered.

Experience in at least 2 of the following areas especially when applied to medical devices is required:

Mechanical design – solid modeling (e.g. Solidworks or similar) and prototyping of parts using 3D printing and traditional manufacturing

Electrical design – prototyping of circuits for sensor acquisition, signal processing, and control of electromagnetic based actuators

Software design – proficiency in multiple programming languages (e.g. Matlab/python/C#/C++ or similar)

Experience gathering requirements, developing test methods to validate prototypes, and preparing related documentation.

Ability to pick up new languages quickly for software development on computers and microcontrollers

Knowledge of the following areas is an asset:

Vibrations and dynamics

PCB design (EagleCAD, Altium, or similar) and fabrication

Wireless communication design

Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication is required

Experience with documentation standards is required

Ability to work within a diverse, dynamic team is essential

To apply, interested candidates should submit a CV and Cover Letter.

Apply Here

3. Postdoctoral Fellowship in Manufacturing Automation and Autonomous Robotics

ENG Mechanical Engineering

Competition No.  -    A106744568

Closing Date  -            Will remain open until filled.

We are looking for a postdoctoral fellow to join our research group in the area of advanced manufacturing, robotic cell design and development, autonomous repair, and manufacturing automation. The current research focus of the group is in intelligent system design, automation, and manufacturing using Industry 4.0 principles  and technologies. The successful candidate will conduct research in autonomous robotic system design and development, hands-on prototyping, programming, sensors integration and analysis, and intelligent process planning and optimization for offsite construction and manufacturing processes. The candidate must have a research focus, evidenced through published peer-reviewed articles or thesis, in one of the following areas:

Modeling, simulation, and process optimization for robot-based operations

Autonomous robotics: design, path planning and programming

Optimization of robotic system design and operations

Manufacturing process automation

Mechatronics (programming and control)

Industrial intelligent automation

Computer-Aided Design and Manufacturing

For validation, the candidate will have access to the partner company’s facility and various software. The candidate will also have access to 5-axis and 3-axis CNC machines, a 3-axis CMM, 3-axis 3D printing technologies, 2D and 3D vision systems, lidar and other proximity sensors, and all the industrial robots and mechatronics facilities available in the Laboratory of Intelligent Manufacturing, Design and Automation (LIMDA) at the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Alberta. The current vacancy is a full-time position based in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada for 1 year (extended to two based on your performance). The salary will be commensurate with the candidate’s qualifications and experience.

Candidate profile

The position requires a self-starting researcher with a proven record of accomplishment of publications. Applicants require an excellent understanding of design and manufacturing principles, CAD modeling, robotic design and simulation, programming, and the capability to carry out independent research. The candidate must also demonstrate strong verbal and written communication skills evident through high-quality journal publications in the research area. The candidate must be able to work and lead in a team-oriented environment. As a part of the project, the candidate will work with a multi-disciplinary team of researchers, graduate students, and industrial collaborators. The candidate must also be able to travel as per the projects’ needs, following COVID-19 mandated travel and immigration restrictions noted by the University of Alberta, and the governments of Alberta and Canada. The ideal candidate shall have evidence of the following:

Specialized Training & Skills

A Ph.D. in mechanical, civil, computer science or electrical engineering, or a field closely related to advanced manufacturing, robotics, and mechatronics

Expertise and research experience in one or more of the core areas described above

Established experience in systems design, modeling, and simulation of automated or robotic processes evident through published research

Experience in the application of CAD modeling and robotic programming and control

Proficiency in programming in Matlab, C/C++/C#, Python, PLCs and in an established CAD/CAM software packages

Preferred Skills

Prior experience working with machine learning, especially deep learning and neural networks

Prior experience with digital-twins and visualization tools

Knowledge of design methodologies and design optimization

Experience with robotic simulation software, such as Robot Studio

How to Apply

The position is now open and applications will be reviewed as they are received until the position is filled. To apply, the candidates may email the application package to Dr. Rafiq Ahmad (Rafiq.Ahmad@ualberta.ca). The email subject should contain the job ID. LIMDA70421PDF. The application package should contain a PDF file with the file name in the format LIMDA70421PDF_lastname_firstname.pdf containing the following:

A cover letter

A detailed academic CV including a minimum of three references (including PhD supervisor)

Copies of degree transcripts

Copies of 2 relevant journal publications related to the research area (most relevant and impact)

One page research statement showing your fit with the described areas and a plan for future research

LIMDA is proudly located at the University of Alberta in the heartland of Alberta, Canada. The University of Alberta is one of the top 100 universities in the world ranking and among the top 5 Canadian Universities. Any further inquiries related to the job and/or the application process may be directed to Dr. Rafiq Ahmad.

Contact Person:

Dr. Rafiq Ahmad, Assistant Professor, University of Alberta

Head of Laboratory of Intelligent Manufacturing, Design and Automation

Email: (Rafiq.Ahmad@ualberta.ca) Phone: (Ư) 780 492-7180 (Please note that no inquiries will be entertained by phone)

4. Molecular Biologists/Biochemists

ENG Electrical & Comp Engineer

Competition No.  -    A104046719

Closing Date  -    Will remain open until filled.

Professor Jie Chen’s lab in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, at the University of Alberta, is recruiting molecular biologists/biochemists with strong backgrounds in single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-Seq) and excellent communication/collaboration ability to conduct the single-cell microfluidic platform project with engineers and other team members from diverse backgrounds. 

Qualified candidates must have: 

Basic theological knowledge on various high-throughput single-cell RNA sequencing methods, especially Drop-Seq, microwell platform, InDrop and 10x chromium. Know the similarities and differences among these methods.

Hands-on experiences in sequencing library construction workflow (especially 10x or Drop-Seq method), which includes reverse transcription, cDNA tagmentation with Nextera XT, PCR amplification, cDNA purification by AMPure XP and cDNA library quality check with BioAnalyzer. 

Knowledge on genomics/transcriptomics data analysis is an asset, which includes any of the following:

Sequencing data quality control and mapping of raw sequencing reads using spliced transcripts alignment tool (e.g.STAR aligner).

Demultiplexing of sequencing data to generate the gene expression (count) matrix.

Downstream data analysis and interpretation,including clustering (using the Seurat Package), Gene Set Enrichment analysis (GESA) to explore the effect of DEP force manipulation on gene expression and cell cycle analysis based on the expressed gene sequenced by scRNA-Seq, ect.

Apply Here

5. Postdoctoral/Research Associate Position in Biomass and Bioenergy Systems Engineering/Biorefinery (CODE: PDF-BIOMOD)

ENG Mechanical Engineering

Competition No.  -    A104146972

Closing Date  -    Will remain open until filled.

We are looking for individuals with research experience broadly in the area of energy and environmental systems engineering with a focus on biomass. Individuals applying for this position should have an interest and research experience in modelling biomass-based energy conversion systems, specifically in the conversion of forest- and agriculture-based biomass or other organic waste to fuels and chemicals. The candidate should have experience developing techno-economic models for the estimation of the viability of these types of energy systems. The individual should also have some experience in modeling biomass conversion processes using relevant tools (e.g., Aspen Plus).

The candidate is expected to carry out research on assigned project(s). The candidate will have an opportunity to develop and initiate new research activities in relevant areas and supervise junior researchers. The candidate will have an opportunity to teach relevant courses in the Department of Mechanical Engineering based on their background.

The successful candidate will join an active group of researchers in the area of energy and environmental systems engineering supported by industry and government. The position is initially for two years and may be extended. The remuneration will be commensurate with qualifications. The position is available immediately and the applications will be reviewed as received. Due to the high volume of applicants, only those of interest will be contacted by our office.

Desired Qualifications: The candidates should have a PhD in a relevant engineering discipline with an emphasis on bioenergy systems. 

Please include the CODE: PDF-BIOMOD in your application. Interested candidates should send their curriculum vitae and the names of three references by e-mail to the contact below.

Contact

Dr. Amit Kumar

Professor

NSERC/Cenovus/Alberta Innovates Associate Industrial Research Chair in Energy and Environmental Systems Engineering

Cenovus Energy Endowed Chair in Environmental Engineering

Deputy Director – Future Energy Systems

Department of Mechanical Engineering

University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 1H9

E-mail: Amit.Kumar@ualberta.ca

Tel: Ư 780-492-7797

Website: http://www.ualbertaenergysystems.ca/

As one of Canada's top teaching and research universities, the University of Alberta (www.ualberta.ca) employs over 14,000 full- and part-time staff across four campuses making it one of the largest employers in the province of Alberta.

The University of Alberta hires on the basis of merit. It is committed to the principle of equity in employment. It welcomes diversity and encourages applications from all qualified women and men, including persons with disabilities, members of visible minorities, and Aboriginal persons.

Apply Here

6. Postdoctoral Position in Environmental Biotechnology Laboratory

Civil Engineering

Competition No.  -    A104144473D1

Closing Date  -    Will remain open until filled.

This position has an end date of one year from the date of hire, with the possibility of extension for two additional years upon satisfactory performance.

A competitive stipend will be awarded commensurate with experience and will include a comprehensive benefits package which can be viewed at: Postdoctoral Fellows Benefits Overview

We are currently looking for a Postdoctoral researcher committed to being part of a team developing innovative research combining cutting-edge bioinformatics tools and engineering bioreactor design to advance our understanding of the fundamental factors and mechanisms of wastewater microbiomes underlying complex bioprocesses.

The successful candidate will work in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering with Dr. Yang Liu. The ideal applicant will have demonstrated expertise with various bioinformatic analyses and pipelines, and have familiarity with next generation sequencing approaches for bacterial and/or archaea genomes. Solid knowledge and experience in advanced statistical approaches for analyzing complex molecular datasets is highly desirable. The ideal candidate is also expected to assist with various research needs in a molecular microbiology laboratory, including but not limited to experimental design, method development and validation, and general problem-solving. The candidate will be expected to assist in the training and mentoring of graduate students and writing research proposals. Teaching experience can be arranged if desired.

The ideal candidate should demonstrate that he/she meets the following:

Has a PhD degree in biological sciences/microbiology with a solid understanding of bioinformatics and molecular biology tools

Preference to applicants with a research background in environmental microbiology and/or bioreactors, and a solid understanding and demonstrated ability to apply studies on microbial growth kinetics or carbon/nitrogen/sulfur cycles

A strong track record of refereed journal publications

The ability to work independently

Strong written and oral communication skills

Application Instructions:

Please send a cover letter, CV, the names and contact information (address, phone number and email address) of three referees and one most relevant sample publication.

To assist the University in complying with mandatory reporting requirements of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (R203(3) (e)), please include the first digit of your Canadian Social Insurance Number in your application. If you do not have a Canadian Social Insurance Number, please indicate this in your application. 

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.

The University of Alberta offers appointments on the basis of merit. We are committed to the principle of equity in employment. We welcome diversity and encourage applications from all qualified women and men, including persons with disabilities, members of visible minorities and Aboriginal persons.

Apply Here

For more detail please visit the official site